Stargate Worlds details divulged

MGM-licensed massively multiplayer game being developed alongside two direct-to-video motion pictures.

Stargate Worlds

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Arizona-based developer Cheyenne Mountain has announced that it has begun production on its freshman effort, the massively multiplayer game Stargate Worlds. The game takes its name, and much of its material, from the cult-hit sci-fi TV series Stargate SG-1 starring MacGyver's Richard Dean Anderson, and its spin-off, Stargate: Atlantis (both shows were spawned from the 1994 motion picture Stargate).

Cheyenne Mountain frontman Joe Ybarra met with GameSpot at the recent Game Developers Conference to reveal some early details--Ybarra being an industry veteran whose credits include the original 1987 Bard's Tale role-playing game (in which the designer lent his name to the game's strongest magical protection spell, Ybarra's Mystic Shield).

Apparently, the game has been in preproduction for some years and is now in full production, and is being developed with direct input from Stargate SG-1 show producers Brad Wright and Robert Cooper.

The game dev team has access to most of the art assets from the TV series, including costumes, storylines, and the entire city of Atlantis. The game's story will apparently take place across seasons three, four, five, six, seven, and eight of the TV show's run--a portion of the series that Ybarra suggested is fertile ground for story material. In addition to citing the TV shows, the designer also pointed out that two direct-to-video motion pictures are also in production, and that "new content can be integrated both ways," both from the show into the game and vice versa.

The game itself will feature what Ybarra hopes will be a huge world that will have "all the planets, as many as we have time to build," though the game will apparently be structured to drive players to both explore and to discover the locations of new stargates--the portals that lead to the next unknown destination. In fact, the designer suggested the game will focus on three key points--exploration through stargates; tactical battles using the game's squad-based combat system that will involve both conventional weapons as well as more esoteric weapons such as orbital bombardment; and "replayability."

Players will be able to hit the "level cap" (the game's maximum character level) relatively quickly, and instead of focusing on creating characters that are more powerful, players will be free to explore and to participate in the game's player-versus-player (PVP) battle system, though Ybarra put forward the idea that the game's population will likely end up split between about 10 percent of hardcore fans in PVP, and the other 90 percent exploring the world and taking on quests.

The designer explained that although the game will hopefully appeal to TV fans who may not be familiar with online games, it should primarily be geared toward people who have played some sorts of games, and it will offer well-rounded experiences for different types of players. For instance, players will be able to play as a character in a "scientist" class who crafts items in space-age labs; this kind of crafting will be accomplished through minigames.

The designer hinted that the game should offer a great deal of breadth between combat, exploration, crafting, and quests that may be tied to a character's race or profession, as well as to local geography and the game's overarching story. Finally, Ybarra suggested that although both TV shows' acting talent are interested in appearing in the game in some capacity, exactly how "hasn't been figured out yet."

Ybarra suggests that Stargate Worlds will launch in 2008, with some kind of beta test planned by the end of this year.

109 Comments

  • DarthEthong467

    Posted Aug 22, 2008 12:57 pm PT

    They never said it was free. Hopefully it is though. I signed up for the beta cause I know that's free.

  • DarthEthong467

    Posted Aug 22, 2008 12:57 pm PT

    They never said it was free. Hopefully it is though. I signed up for the beta cause I know that's free.

  • iceberg082002

    Posted May 31, 2008 11:42 pm PT

    yea if its free im IN!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Boda3000

    Posted Jan 15, 2008 8:00 am PT

    I liked how they emphasize quests instead of just regular leveling up. Quests, IMO, are what makes MMORPGs fun, if they are well developed, of course.

  • slagman5

    Posted Jan 12, 2008 12:12 pm PT

    I hope this wouldn't be a pay per month crap like WoW is. If it is like Guild Wars where you buy the game and play for free, then I'm in. Otherwise, sorry Stargate, I own all the seasons on DVD, but I will not continuously pay for one game... I'm not that big of a nerd, lol.

  • bourne2083

    Posted Jan 12, 2008 10:58 am PT

    finally a mmorpg worth playing i wonder if anything from the atlantis universe will be in here

  • Chockingbob

    Posted Jan 5, 2008 6:50 am PT

    When this comes out good bye WOW.

  • hampton2003

    Posted Jan 4, 2008 11:07 pm PT

    what will make or break this game imo will be space battles as well as land batles. But unfortunatly the timeframe wont allow for the tari to have anything better then the promethius class battleship, although the option to play as other races will of course give you more of a ship selection. And thats if there will be space battles. i wish they had chosen the later seasons so the game would have more potential. Either way im excited and hopeful.

  • Daysend

    Posted Oct 11, 2007 9:43 pm PT

    Wooo, I've been saying for the longest time that a Stargate based MMORPG would be much fun! I laugh at the people who say "It wouldn't intergrate well with the TV series.". We all know the SGC has had multiple teams, and covert organizations accessing space, as well as the various species and races. Then theres the atlantis teams and their race's and species. Open ended exploration is great as well! I wonder if you will be able to enter gate addresses from the series straight into the dialing device and already have a leg up on exploration!

    I dont know about the minigame craft system, or the low level cap.
    I always said they could handle something like this with SGC restricted access. By setting minimum level requirements to certain Gates.
    Maybe they could take a que from 360/PS3 games and add unlockables. Could the squad based combat be simular to a multiplayer version of "Mass Effect"?
    Will the races all begin in the SGC or on their home worlds?
    SGC could get cramped fast. How will the game play change with tv series? Will it be a dynamic changing universe? Or maybe a dynamic player-story driven universe where the chapters progress for everyone as accomplishments are made for the whole? As somewhat seen in everquest? So many juicy possibilities! Instanced off world missions maybe? What if they take a new spin and make instanced missions within the same public outdoor enviroment where people cant enter the mission area unless invited to join and aid. Just as SG-1 can sometimes get help from other units on the same world. But dont really depend on them or need to. O.o ok i'll shut up now.

  • NuZZ01

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 2:44 am PT

    I have a feeling this will be one of the best MMOG ever made.
    Simply because of the opportunity for graphics and high speed internet coupled with a great story and tons of possibilities.

    And now, we wait... Don't like the idea of fast 2 get level cap though...

  • Mrglorp

    Posted Sep 17, 2007 1:22 pm PT

    I just hope its similar to WoW . (similar set up} I like the mouse set up of WoW, simple and easy to use. If it is GOOD BYE WoW. But need to wait for demo/triale. looks cool anyway

  • t_walk1

    Posted Aug 27, 2007 10:45 am PT

    been waiting on this game for awhile now since it was first announced, can't wait but I think it's still a ways off from beta unfortunately

  • dumptruck123

    Posted Aug 10, 2007 6:35 am PT

    This sounds like a great change from other online games. Lets hope they take their time and come through.

  • pherring122

    Posted Jul 11, 2007 1:29 pm PT

    Anyone got an idea of a date we could all be playing??? Massive fan of the show so this should be good!

  • ashdx5

    Posted Jun 28, 2007 8:42 am PT

    this game has a limitless potential there are so many ideas to play with!!!!!!!!!!

  • Edcase

    Posted Jun 26, 2007 11:09 am PT

    So cant wait for this game...will be great.....i hope

  • acummuta

    Posted Jun 12, 2007 8:31 pm PT

    Brothers...hear me!

    Can't wait to hear more out of this game. Gameplay footage would be nice. Also hoping they can really capture the voice and acting talent from the show's actors. All the more a way to keep the world alive and going strong.

  • dougo1807

    Posted Jun 4, 2007 2:51 pm PT

    This going to be great

    Can't wait for the 2 movies too

  • pyro_44

    Posted May 23, 2007 1:26 pm PT

    I cant wait for this game to come out but i hope they don't confine the game to the planets surface, it would be good to get some of the spacecraft that featured in the show as well. I would love to take a mothership through hyperspace to find the next planet but would settle for a quick X-302 air battle!
    Either way I'll still buy the game.

  • General_Gustaf

    Posted May 15, 2007 11:43 am PT

    Sweet, i've been waiting for a stargate game for ages!

  • Charon72

    Posted May 13, 2007 2:21 pm PT

    I hope that this game turns out to be really good, as I'd love to spend my time playing a fun Stargate-based game. Joining the Beta would be a dream!

  • mgmeek

    Posted Apr 16, 2007 9:18 am PT

    that remains to be seen mindless1987. we've already got a good head start with the first series lasting 7 more seasons and ~120 more episodes than the original ST. btw i like'em both, TNG was one of my favorite tv series of all time.

  • _Sargon_

    Posted Apr 15, 2007 10:19 pm PT

    yes, sign me up the beta test too!!

    i actually haven't wondered about any Stargate games until i saw and article on how Stargate SG1: Alliance got mowed. Im estatic about a game in the Stargate universe!

  • warlordthon

    Posted Apr 10, 2007 11:37 am PT

    Sign me up for the beta test!

  • keironshaw24

    Posted Apr 4, 2007 11:08 am PT

    cant wait.. if they get this right i think this ga,e could easily be very popular.. butthat also depends on the monthly fee they will charge us..!

  • megaman357

    Posted Mar 28, 2007 2:59 am PT

    love stargate and love the idea of a MMORPG based on it, lets just hope they get this right ill be watching for that beta test in the near future

  • deshields538

    Posted Mar 15, 2007 1:43 pm PT

    Sign me up for that Beta test!

  • CraigB1234

    Posted Mar 15, 2007 5:05 am PT

    I hope it's better than The Matrix Online was at the beginning at least(not tryed it recently)

  • shadowsoal

    Posted Mar 15, 2007 3:55 am PT

    Very mixed thoughts on this one from everybody.
    Ignoring SG-1 haters (even some of those are interested) and ignoring MMO haters, the support looks different.
    Come on guys, Stargate has been a great show. I was sad to see it go, but this can game will at least keep the old format alive.
    So long as they focus on gameplay (which they say they will) and not authenticity (like Star Wars...oh dear) we'll have a crackin' game on our hands

  • mindless1987

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 9:56 pm PT

    yes mmos seem to be coming from every where, but really good quality ones r hard to find, i'm beta testing lotro now and it doesnt seem to shaby. and Slayer420, stargate is indeed awsome, but it still needs another 400 episodes, nine more movies, and hundreds of more books before it catches up to ST. Which i am looking forward to that mmo also. see u in the gate room.

  • UrbanMessiah

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 9:44 pm PT

    Hmmm...Could go either way with this. I'll hope for the best, and anticipate the worst, as usual with announcements like this. -=x

  • valdorin6966

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 7:57 pm PT

    The gameplay will more then likely be based off of a elder scrolls type of gameplay so theres no loss or having to switch views between using your P90 or cracking someone in the skull with your staff.

  • selbie

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 7:02 pm PT

    Hmm...i wonder if this means there will be a FPS component??? Or maybe it's just attack 'moves' like in WoW.
    Either way I can't wait to see what it's like

  • KnightsofRound

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 6:48 pm PT

    Can't wait for this game.

  • LION90

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 4:06 pm PT

    YAA I'm super excited about this one, I have loved the show for years and can't wait to PLAY!!!!!

  • axia_777

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 3:29 pm PT

    BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH!!!!!!!!! Another MMO? How many can they make before the MMO market is glutted? I guess we will see? I bet it will suck a monkeys nutz.....

  • Ka113

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 2:46 pm PT

    I've watched every SG-1 episode three times and are gonna start on my fourth now that it has ended after it's record breaking 10th series. Yeah you guessed right I'm very very excited about this game and have been following it's development for a long time.

    Slayer420: SG-1 was cancelled after 10 series and not 11. The races you'll be able to play are human, Jaffa, Asgard and Goa'uld.

    Jasongm: The movie was an excelent action/adventure flick. A series like that would never last, it needed the sarcastic humor that Richard Dean Andersson (MacGyver) brought aboard. And I don't understand what you have against Canada. Oh and Richard Dean Andersson (MacGyver) was born in "Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA" and not Canada.

    Icboettcher: There was an Stargate FPS in the pipeline called Stargate Alliance. It was being produced by a different company and was sacked not long from being finished due to it not reaching the quality standards of the distributer.

    Peace out and I'll see you all on the other side of the gate with my FN P-90

  • lcboettcher

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 1:51 pm PT

    A Stargate MMo sounds good, but what about a FPS? Imagine Rainbow6 Vegas except your SG1, P90, Zat, and Staff weapons blaring, jumping though the Stargate with thousands of replicators following. With all the weapons, various locals, and numerous enemies available in the Stargate universe a FPS would be the S@#T!

  • Charlie643

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 12:54 pm PT

    I can see it now... Real money trade takes over Stargate Command. We're screwed.

  • laotianrose

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 12:13 pm PT

    I'm only getting this game if I can play as a Furling.

  • Drt888

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 11:32 am PT

    Ruined it? it lasted 10 seasons is being turned into a game and has a spin-off which has allready lasted 4 seasons! and 2 new movies on the way.

  • jasongm

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 11:12 am PT

    The movie with Kurt Russel was ok, but they really could of made the series like the movie... to bad they ruined it with McGuyver and his Canadian cast and low production values.

    The series should of been a mini series.

    I'll give this game a chance....

  • metroid_dragon

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 9:06 am PT

    If this is done properlly it has a lot of promise, I'm gonna have some faith in Cheyenne Mountain here. The Stargate universe would make a good MMO.

  • ldonyo

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 6:56 am PT

    I like SG1, but I hate MMO.

  • Slayer420

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 6:45 am PT

    Having watched every episode of SG1, and most of those more then once, I am definitely geeked out about this. I think Daman99's thoughts about it being a cross between BF2 and Mass Effect sounds like a perfect implementation for a Stargate MMO. I am really curious as to what races you will be able to play. I thought I had read in the past that players would be able to definitely be G'ould and Human and be at war with each other. I would love to see some of the other races be playable though, such as the To'kra or Jaffa. And Spelldarn.. Worst TV show? You realize this show has more staying power then ANY Star Trek series, right? Bad shows go off the air. SG1 is on their 11th season, 3 seasons more then the longest running ST.

  • spelledarn

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 5:26 am PT

    SG:1 was possibly the worst TV show ever to get good ratings, but this game might have some potential.

  • cjcr_alexandru

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 4:55 am PT

    Sounds quite interesting. Let's hope those ideas will be implemented well.

  • daman99

    Posted Mar 14, 2007 3:51 am PT

    It'll be interesting to see what this game offers to the vast array of MMO's out there. This game has the dream potential of being way bigger than WoW if they manage to get a mind blowing amount of planets in it. Though i'd like it if visiting a new planet meant a little more than just visiting a single town a few yards away from the stargate, planets usually stretch further than a single city/town. Squad based team play sounds like a good idea but not if you emd up getting forced into teams to complete quests when all you want to do is explore on your own.
    This game sounds that it'll be a strange mix between Battlefield 2 and Mass Effect, both good looking games.
    Lets just hope this particular MMO can become the success that the TV-show was.

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